Press release

Preparations underway to launch
Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013 alongside WETEX

·  Dubai Global Energy Forum established globally as key in driver of dialogue on energy sector: Al Tayer

Dubai, UAE; 1 January , 2013: Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, preparations for the second Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013 have commenced and are underway to be held alongside the 15th Water, Energy Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2013), in Dubai.

WETEX 2013 will be held from 15-17 April 2013 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC).

"Having undertaken all the commercial and organizational preparations, we have now commenced the necessary logistical arrangements to launch these two important events to achieve the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who established the leading positions of both the Dubai Global Energy Forum and WETEX on the agenda of specialized forums and exhibitions world-wide,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of both the Dubai Global Energy Forum and WETEX.

Al Tayer said that the exhibition, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2013, started on a smaller scale. It has evolved considerably and will now occupy seven halls at DICEC, reflecting strong participation from national and international organisations and companies working in the fields of energy, electricity, water and environment, as well as official participation from national and international bodies, businesses, departments and specialized service utilities.

"These companies and organizations regard the exhibition as an important and ideal platform to showcase innovative and state-of-the-art technologies and explore the opportunity for strategic deals in the Middle East region,” added Al Tayer.

On the simultaneous launch of WETEX and Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013, Al Tayer said that both events complement each other as they offer a global platform to share talents, expertise, and best practices in energy management, including renewable-energy and clean-coal technologies.

Al Tayer highlighted the different challenges facing the global energy industry and the opportunities available to ensure the sustainability of its sources: "such events will drive discussions on suitable methods to provide green technologies to conserve environmental resources and ensure proper environmental management," said Al Tayer.

To be held for three days under the theme Sustainable Energy-Secure World, the Dubai Global Energy Forum will discuss various topics and pressing concerns for the energy sector, especially clean energy and sustainability. The participants at the Forum include several global energy experts who will share their insights on issues such as applying best practices in securing energy, supply and demand management, alternative energy sources and the use of nuclear energy in peaceful domains along with policies, programmes and modern technologies.

"WETEX provides a unique regional platform that enhances cooperation and strategic partnerships among national and international businesses and their counterparts in several industries, such as electricity, water, energy and the environment," explained Al Tayer.

"Given the huge response and wide participation from different countries worldwide, DEWA has increased its exhibition space by 25% from last year, with the opening of additional exhibition halls. Held over three days, WETEX will highlight several critical issues related to the rapid developments and challenges faced by electricity, water and environment industries, as well as explore the best solutions and practices to address environmental challenges," added Al Tayer.

WETEX will showcase a range of cutting-edge solutions and products, such as agricultural equipment, desalination systems, modern systems of irrigation, water pumping equipment, boilers, cables, electrical transformers, connectors, energy saving products, pipes, valves,

generators, electricity- and water-transmission and -distribution equipment, and other advanced products.

The exhibition also aims to highlight global expertise in the areas of electricity, water services, energy, environment and other relevant areas, to strengthen relationships and partnerships between different Arab and Gulf institutions and companies with their counterparts worldwide.

"With significant developments witnessed by DEWA, we consider the adoption of state-of-the-art technology solutions as a top priority, and we are working to encourage international companies to provide these to DEWA, and other regional service utilities, to help strengthen the energy sector by applying effective, reliable and environmentally-friendly solutions," concluded Al Tayer.

Local and international companies participating at the exhibition will have the opportunity to promote and showcase their products and solutions for the electricity and water sectors. The forum will also include a series of seminars and lectures that will tackle the latest global and regional technologies and developments in the electricity, water and energy sectors.

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For more information, please contact:

Ribal Dayekh

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

+9714 307 2006

Ahmed Al Banna

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507600